Hector Lombard could get quick UFC title shot if impressive in debut

SUNRISE, Fla. – If Hector Lombard is as good as advertised when he makes his UFC debut later this summer, don’t be surprised if he immediately hops in line for a middleweight title shot.

UFC president Dana White said as much Friday following the post-fight news conference for UFC on FX 3, which took place at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla.

Lombard (31-2-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), the recently signed former Bellator middleweight champion, brings a 25-fight unbeaten streak to the UFC. And though his debut was supposed to come in August against Brian Stann, an injury to Stann and injury to Michael Bisping has Lombard rebooked to fight Tim Boetsch (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) at UFC 149 next month.

An impressive showing by Lombard, a Judo Olympian from Cuba, could quickly move him into the top-contender spot for the UFC’s 185-pound title, possibly to face the winner of champ Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen.

“We’re definitely looking at Hector,” White said. “Hector’s had an incredible streak outside the UFC. We’ll see how he does here in the UFC.”

White had to point no further than Silva to illustrate precedent for a newly signed fighter getting a quick shot at the belt. Silva debuted at UFC Fight Night 5 in June 2006 and was fought and won the middleweight title that fall. He has never looked back.

“When you think about it, Anderson Silva came into the UFC, (and) nobody thought Anderson Silva was this fighting genius and could possibly be the greatest of all time,” White said. “He fought Chris Leben his first fight. His second fight was for the title (against Rich Franklin). He looked so impressive, and if you’re that much further above your entire weight class, you’ll notice when (Lombard) goes in there and fights if he looks really great. Then yeah – he’ll probably get the next title shot.”

Silva defends his title at UFC 148 in a month against arch rival Sonnen. Lombard fights two weeks later in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for his UFC debut – now with a possible shot at the Silva-Sonnen winner on the line.

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